Memoirs From Bar Harbor: The Yellow House Inn
Visiting Maine? View the most popular tours in the area to help with your trip planning here
PLAN A VISIT TO BAR HARBOR, ME
A 36-hour itinerary for Bar Harbor, Maine
It was september in nyc, but summer was still in full swing, the heat was brutal, and we needed an escape. My significant other and I had been discussing a much-needed retreat for weeks. Somewhere with cool breezes and tranquil views. He was looking forward to an outdoorsy adventure, while I imagined a quaint little town with charming shops, and a nice Bed and breakfast (à la 'Stars hollow' from Gilmore Girls).
finding the perfect bed & Breakfast
discover the yellow house inn in bar harbor, Maine
Neither of us had ever visited maine, but it seemed to be just the destination. we searched the internet for: "Best bed and breakfasts in Bar Harbor Maine".
Google revealed the clear winner to us... the Yellow House Inn, the cutest yellow bed and breakfast you've ever seen! A welcoming display of flowers and lush lawns greet arriving guests. This adorable BNB is sitting only 4 minutes from the picturesque town center of Bar Harbor, Maine, near the infamous Bar Harbor Shore Path’, and only 12 minutes from Acadia National Park, one of the top 10 most visited National Parks in the US.
The oceanfront area of Bar Harbor, Maine is a short walk away. including Elm Street (full of cute little shops), you’ll also find the Old Village nearby!
As we soon discovered, this one bed and breakfast location contained every detail of interest to us. the search was over, it was time to head to bar harbor!
The Yellow House is everything you would hope a bed and breakfast in Maine would be!
The new owners Jeff & Jenna, innkeeper Sara, and staff have shown their sincere attention to details throughout the grounds, exteriors, and interiors. You can sense it immediately...every effort has been made to ensure your stay will exceed your expectations.
Welcome to the yellow house inn
One of two original summer cottages on the island, The Yellow House Inn was built in the 1800s
acquired by socialite Ms. Sarah Parker Torrey Linzee, of Boston by 1886
7 spacious guest rooms with en-suite baths have been lovingly and meticulously redecorated with the guests comfort and enjoyment in mind. All traditional amenities have been met and blended with the contemporary stylings of a lovely boutique. Each room has complimentary WIFI, flat screen tv and a cozy seating area.
views of ‘Jack’s Room’ & the ‘Agamont Suite’ at The Yellow House Inn - bar harbor
Meet and mingle in the common areas, take advantage of the outdoor firepit and complimentary snack bar in the evenings, or retreat to your room for some privacy. Take your time to relax, recharge and enjoy every wonderful moment. I assure you we did!
enjoy a drink at their Happy Hour each day! There is nothing better than checking in and enjoying a complimentary beverage. A selection of local wines and handcrafted cocktails served by Side-Street Cafe, a local Bar Harbor eatery!
At Yellow House Inn, mornings are fun and exciting. Morning light streams through large leaded glass windows, inviting you to enjoy the outdoor scenery. The combination of birdsongs and sea breezes with the sight and smell of the roses and other gardens flowers is stunning. After a long, hot summer in the city my boyfriend and I were both in need of a breath of fresh air, as were the other guests we met at the inn. Sunny skies and bright smiles everywhere.
It certainly was a "Best Bed & Breakfast in Bar Harbor" experience.
Things to do nearby
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor's mainland: a Quick Guide
On Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, with its breathtaking views and vistas. There are many recreational activities in Acadia, including hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, bicycling and sightseeing. A range of interpretive activities are also offered, such as amphitheater presentations, guided walks, educational programs, and outreach programs. Several paved roads, including the historic 27-mile Park Loop Road, provide access to the shoreline and to the forests inside. Acadia National Park is not to be missed!
Plan a hike
There are hiking activities for all ages and skill levels listed below
walk Jordon pond
skill level: 1
Over a half-dozen people, ranging from 7-months to 70 years old, participated in our adventure
if you’re thinking about walking Jordan Pond There’s lots of places to stop and sit - we packed a sandwich lunch & protein drinks/water. This allowed for time to stop and rest when I needed it!
You don’t need ‘hiking shoes’- but you will want sneakers with a very thick sole to navigate the back side where it’s uneven ground.
Stargazing on Cadillac Mountain
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK: Driving EXPERIENCE
Night 1 in bar harbor, We went Stargazing on Cadillac Mountain - it is Crazy beautiful on a clear night!
Note: you have to get tickets for this to be able to even enter the park!
If you’re looking for stargazing, Try to book the 7- 7:30pm ticket time if you can!
You have to enter the park at that time, but you can stay till it gets dark and watch the stars. I think we stayed till about 10:30pm. We brought wine, snacks, etc. and then just hung out. The darker it gets, the more you get to see!
I definitely recommend bringing blankets/gloves/warm socks. We did and were very happy we remembered!
BOOKING INFO FOR STARGAZING AT ACADIA NATIONAL LINKED HERE! | Additional VEHICLE INFO HERE!
HIKE BEEHIVE TRAIL
THIS TRAIL IS RATED AT: DIFFICULT
The Beehive Loop is one of Acadia's famous rung and ladder trails.
450 feet above the sea level, this hike will challenge your body and mind as you ascend steep granite stairs, iron rungs, and exposed cliff faces. once you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with some really fantastic views of Acadia National Park!
GRAB A BITE IN BAR HARBOR
Freshest ingredients anywhere in the world
here are some of the best restaurants in Maine and New England in Bar Harbor, and rightfully so, since many of them serve the freshest seafood found anywhere in the world. Among the restaurants' offerings are homegrown produce, craft beers, fine wines, freshly brewed local coffee, and, of course...lobster everything...even lobster ice-cream!
Mckays Public House 🍴
only a short walk from the yellow house inn, you’ll find this amazing local restaurant using only the freshest ingredients
This is a great choice if you're staying in the downtown Bar Harbor area. YOU’LL FIND High-end surf & turf STYLE pub fare with global touches, housed in a quaint Victorian home.
WE suggest trying:
Captain's Platter
Fried scallops, shrimp, and haddock served with hand cut fries and slaw
Seafood Cioppino
Fresh local scallops, haddock, mussels, and tiger shrimp in a rich wine, tomato, and fennel broth accompanied with grilled baguette
There was also wonderful selection of raw oysters available daily, if you enjoy a buttery, briny start to your meal! If you’re searching for a quality meal in bar harbor, you’ll not be disappointed if you try out mckays!
Abel's Lobster 🦞
YoUr seaside dining Experience
when it came to finding ‘lobster by the pound’ the overwhelming suggestions for the area was abel’s lobster.
I can’t say enough good things about this place. It’s a total gem! The food was delicious, and the view is amazing while you eat. It was my favorite dinner we had the entire trip!
You’ll want to try:
The grand plateau
enjoy a variety of local caught oysters, crab, lobster, charcuterie, crudos, & artisan cheeses!
abels woodfired lobster
caught and cooked within feet of your table,
enjoy a truly ‘Fresh caught fish’ experience.
Be sure you check the days they are open!
*They aren’t open all the time.
Enjoy some shopping in bar harbor
you’ll want to grAB SOME SOUVENIRS FROM THESE LOCAL ARTISANS
This town center truly resembles that of Stars Hollow. There are street lamps and adorable shops with shopkeepers who take pride in their work. They give their customers a genuine, caring experience. Bar Harbor, Maine, exemplifies small town hospitality. Everyone is welcomed.
The Yellow House has also provided their own list of "things to do," which you can view here.
no matter if you're ‘looking for stars hollow’ like I was, or simply need some time to unwind and reconnect with nature, I highly recommend a trip to bar harbor, Maine.
I can honestly say that I have never left a weekend trip feeling so reconnected with the beauty of nature. Visiting Maine is a truly special experience.
Thank you for stopping by
📍 Pin in for later 📍
additional information for the yellow house inn bar harbor linked here.
This post was created in partnership with The Yellow House Inn and Stuff Oui Love, “oui” will never endorse anything we don't absolutely love! We strive to always be honest and unbiased about our views!
co-Editing Author for this article: Victoria Potter-Lands.
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We’ve compiled the best places to stay, visit, and eat in Bar Harbor, Maine!